[en] Vertical extension (VE) of buildings offers promising pathways for sustainable urban densification. This study conducts the most comprehensive systematic literature review to date on VE suitability, following PRISMA guidelines and using content coding in ATLAS. It's combined with co-occurrence analysis to ensure methodological transparency and reproducibility. A total of 119 publications were analyzed, and 88 suitability factors were synthesized. The research provides systematic knowledge of multidimensional considerations in VE implementation by thematically classifying the factors, mapping them across three suitability levels—site, building, and design—and assessing temporal/geographic patterns. The findings indicate a pronounced emphasis on technical and structural aspects, especially at the building level, whereas softer features like community engagement and multi-scalar governance are inadequately examined. Site-level factors are significantly marginalized, which may restrict the scalability and contextual adaptability of VE strategies. The novelty of this work lies in providing a multi-level clustering framework that not only maps the distribution of factors but also critically interprets research gaps, offering an integrated reference for architects, engineers, planners, and policymakers. While the study is based on literature analysis, it establishes a transparent, reproducible basis that future case studies and multi-criteria decision models can build upon to achieve more holistic VE assessments.
Disciplines :
Architecture
Author, co-author :
Sanei, Mohsen; Luleå University of Technology ; Mälardalen University
Khodadad, Mina; Luleå University of Technology
Ilgın, Hüseyin Emre; Tampere University
Attia, Shady ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département ArGEnCo > Techniques de construction des bâtiments
Rizzo, Agatino; Luleå University of Technology
Lau, Kevin; Luleå University of Technology
Language :
English
Title :
Unpacking suitability for building vertical extensions: a multi-level clustering analysis of factors
Publication date :
26 March 2026
Journal title :
Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
ISSN :
1346-7581
eISSN :
1347-2852
Publisher :
Informa UK Limited
Pages :
1-24
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Development Goals :
11. Sustainable cities and communities 13. Climate action
Amer, M., and S., Attia. 2019. “Identification of Sustainable Criteria for Decision-Making on Roof Stacking Construction Method.” Sustainable Cities and Society47:101456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2019.101456.
Amer, M., M., Hamdy, T., Wortmann, A., Mustafa, and S., Attia. 2020. “Methodology for Design Decision Support of Cost-Optimal Zero-Energy Lightweight Construction.” Energy & Buildings223:110170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110170.
Amer, M., W. A., Mahar, G., Ruellan, and S., Attia. 2019. “Sensitivity Analysis of Glazing Parameters and Operational Schedules on Energy Consumption and Life Cycle Cost.” Building Simulation Conference Proceedings7:5022–5028. https://doi.org/10.26868/25222708.2019.210672.
Amer, M., A., Mustafa, and S., Attia. 2019. “Conceptual Framework for Off-Site Roof Stacking Construction.” Journal of Building Engineering26:100873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100873.
Amer, M., A., Mustafa, J., Teller, S., Attia, and S., Reiter. 2017. “A Methodology to Determine the Potential of Urban Densification through Roof Stacking.” Sustainable Cities and Society35:677–691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2017.09.021.
Aparicio-Gonzalez, E., S., Domingo-Irigoyen, and A., Sanchez-Ostiz. 2020. “Rooftop Extension as a Solution to Reach nZEB in Building Renovation. Application Through Typology Classification at a Neighborhood Level.” Sustainable Cities and Society57:102109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102109.
Argenziano, M., D., Faiella, F., Bruni, C., De Angelis, M., Fraldi, and E., Mele. 2021. “Upwards - Vertical Extensions of Masonry Built Heritage for Sustainable and Antifragile Urban Densification.” Journal of Building Engineering44:102885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102885.
Artés, J., G., Wadel, and N., Martí. 2017. “Vertical Extension and Improving of Existing Buildings.” The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal11 (Suppl–1, M4): 83–94. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874836801711010083.
Bertolazzi, A., M., Campagnola, G., Croatto, U., Turrini, and G., Santi. 2019. “Building Upward: Methodological Approach to Defining Criteria and Guidelines for Interventions for Italian Post-War Housing Refurbishment in a Seismic Area.” Journal of Architectural Engineering25 (2). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000352.
Bhattacharjee, J., K., Sharma, and S., Bader. 2020. “Feasibility of Redesigning and Retrofitting of a Structure for Vertical Expansion to Avoid Disasters.” In Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, edited by S. Adhikari, B. Bhattacharjee and J. Bhattacharjee, 147–161. Singapore: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7615-3_13.
The Brussels Morning Newspaper. 2025. “The Alarming Condition of Belgium’s Housing Market.” Accessed April31, 2025. https://brusselsmorning.com/the-alarming-condition-of-belgiums-housing-market/62349/.
Caballero-Rico, F., R. V., Roque-Hernández, R., de la Garza Cano, and E., Arvizu-Sánchez. 2022. “Challenges for the Integrated Management of Priority Areas for Conservation in Tamaulipas, México.” Sustainability14 (1): 494. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010494.
Chamel, O., and B., Dahlgruen. 2021. “Growing Up: An Urban Design Approach Based on Increased Density.” WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment253:27–35. https://doi.org/10.2495/SC210031.
Cheng-Can, W., and H., Jin-Tae. 2017. “3D FEM Analysis on Load Distribution Behavior for Pile Foundation During Vertical Extension of Apartment Building.” Proceedings of ICSMGE 2017 - 19th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2017-September: 1929–1932.
Cherkas, A., and V., Rimshin. 2017. “Application of Composite Reinforcement for Modernization of Buildings and Structures.” MATEC Web of Conferences117:00027. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201711700027.
Choi, J., and J., Kim. 2023. “Techno-Economic Feasibility Study for Deep Renovation of Old Apartment.” Journal of Cleaner Production382:135396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135396.
Daher, E., S., Kubicki, and A., Marvuglia. 2023. “A Digital Collaborative Framework for Evaluating the Environmental Impacts and the Potential of Vertical Building Extensions.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe2:165–174. https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2023.2.165.
Dind, A., S., Lufkin, and E., Rey. 2017. “Working Space - An Innovative Modular Timber Construction System for the Sustainable Vertical Extension of Office Buildings.” Proceedings of 33rd PLEA International Conference: Design to Thrive, PLEA 20171:1495–1501.
Dutta, A., J. F., Sumnicht, R. L., Mayes, R. O., Hamburger, and A., Citipitioglu. 2009. “An Innovative Application of Base Isolation Technology.” Proceedings of the 2009 ATC and SEI Conference on Improving the Seismic Performance of Existing Buildings and Other Structures: 841–854. https://doi.org/10.1061/41084(364)77.
Esposito, F., D., Faiella, and E., Mele. 2024. “A Diagram-Based Design Procedure for Intermediate Isolation System in Existing Buildings with Inelastic Behavior.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics53 (4): 1492–1508. https://doi.org/10.1002/eqe.4079.
European Commission. 2021. “The European Green Deal.” Accessed May5, 2025. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en.
Faiella, D., M., Argenziano, F., Esposito, G., Brandonisio, M., Fraldi, and E., Mele. 2023. “Effectiveness of Isolated Vertical Extension of Masonry Buildings as Nonconventional TMD.” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering165:107675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2022.107675.
Feás, E., and F., Steinberg. 2021. “The Climate and Energy Transition Component of the Spanish National Recovery and Resilience Plan.” Accessed May10, 2025. https://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/en/analyses/the-climate-and-energy-transition-component-of-the-spanish-national-recovery-and-resilience-plan/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Franzosi, R., 2008. “Content Analysis: Objective, Systematic, and Quantitative Description of Content.” Content Analysis1 (1): 21–49.
Gillott, C., B., Davison, and D., Densley Tingley. 2022. “Drivers, Barriers and Enablers: Construction Sector Views on Vertical Extensions.” Building Research & Information50 (8): 909–923. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2022.2087173.
Gillott, C., J. B., Davison, and D., Densley Tingley. 2022. “The Potential of Vertical Extension at the City Scale.” IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science1078 (1): 012079. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1078/1/012079.
Guma, A., J., Pearson, K., Wittels, R., Neufville, and D., Geltner. 2009. “Vertical Phasing as a Corporate Real Estate Strategy and Development Option.” Journal of Corporate Real Estate11 (3): 144–157. https://doi.org/10.1108/14630010910985904.
Guo, W., S., Liu, J., Liu, and R., Zhang. 2012. “Analysis of Using Interlayer Seismic Isolation Technology in Storey-Adding Structure.” Advanced Materials Research594-597:1702–1706. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.594-597.1702.
Heo, S., S., Na, M.-., Hur, and S., Lee. 2021. “Evaluating the Vertical Extension Module of a Building with Installed Rotary Dampers at Joints.” Buildings11 (11): 536. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11110536.
Jellen, A. C., and A. M., Memari. 2018. “Residential Vertical Expansions Using Modular Construction.” Journal of Architectural Engineering24 (3): 04018019. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000322.
Julistiono, E. K., P., Oldfield, and L., Cardellicchio. 2023a. “Up on the Roof: A Review of Design, Construction, and Technology Trends in Vertical Extensions.” Architectural Science Review67 (1): 63–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2023.2240289.
Julistiono, E. K., P., Oldfield, and L., Cardellicchio. 2023b. “Vertical Extensions: Stakeholder Perspectives on Development Decisions and Construction Strategies.” Journal of Architectural Engineering29 (2): 04023010. https://doi.org/10.1061/JAEIED.AEENG-1474.
Kalpokaite, N., and I., Radivojevic. 2016. “Using Atlas.Ti to Facilitate the Literature Review: Proposing a New Practice-Based Framework.” EDULEARN16 Proceedings: 6489–6498. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2016.0406.
Khodadad, M., I., Aguilar-Barajas, L. E., Cárdenas-Barrón, A. I., Ramírez-Orozco, M., Sanei, and A. Z., Khan. 2024. “Addressing Local Water Security Through Green Infrastructure Implementation: A Review of Urban Plans in Monterrey, Mexico, and Brussels, Belgium.” Water16 (5): 727. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050727.
Khodadad, M., S. M. M., Nadoshan, S., Khodadad, and M., Sanei. 2018. “Operative Guidelines for Sustainable Designing of Child-Oriented Architectural Spaces.” Journal of Civil Engineering and Urbanism8 (1): 6–11.
Khodadad, M., and M., Sanei. 2016. “Suggested Solutions to Improve Security in Urban Environment with an Approach of Sustainable Development.” Paper Presented at the 4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Tehran, Iran: Architecture and Urban Development.
Khodadad, M., M., Sanei, C., Narvaez-Montoya, and I., Aguilar-Barajas. 2022. “Climatic Hazards and the Associated Impacts on Households’ Willingness to Adopt Water-Saving Measures: Evidence from Mexico.” Sustainability14 (10): 5817. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105817.
Khodadad, M., M., Sanei, A., Rizzo, and J., Ma. 2025. “Urban Snow and Ice Removal and Storage: A Systematic Literature Review.” City and Environment Interactions27:100213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cacint.2025.100213.
Künzel, K., J., Korekt, N., Artmann, S., Blankertz, L., Böhrk, and J., Render. 2024. “Urban Densification: Understanding Landowners’ Inertia in Building on Vacant Lots.” DisP - The Planning Review60 (2): 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/02513625.2024.2424124.
Mao, X., X., Huang, Y., Song, Y., Zhu, and Q., Tan. 2020. “Response to Urban Land Scarcity in Growing Megacities: Urban Containment or Inter-City Connection?” Cities96:102399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2019.102399.
Moshood, T. D., G., Nawanir, and F., Mahmud. 2022. “Sustainability of Biodegradable Plastics: A Review on Social, Economic, and Environmental Factors.” Critical Reviews in Biotechnology42 (6): 892–912. https://doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2021.1973954.
Mouna, H., and A., Drias. 2024. “A Socio-Environmental Analysis of Contemporary Modifications to Algerian Mzab Traditional Houses.” African Geographical Review43 (7): 914–932. https://doi.org/10.1080/19376812.2024.2318747.
Mun, J., J. S., Lee, and S., Kim. 2024. “Effects of Urban Sprawl on Regional Disparity and Quality of Life: A Case of South Korea.” Cities151:105125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2024.105125.
Napieralska, Z., and S., Attia. 2023. “Building Vertical Extensions and Increasing Housing Stock in Cities: Review of Selected European Research.” Teka Komisji Urbanistyki i Architektury51:321–338. https://doi.org/10.24425/tkuia.2023.148981.
Newby, P., 2014. Research Methods for Education. 2nd ed. London: Taylor & Francis.
Norell, M., L., Stehn, and D., Engström. 2020. “Architectural Design of Vertical Extensions of Buildings: A Risk Perspective on Complexity.” ARCOM 2020 - Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 36th Annual Conference 2020 - Proceedings: 625–634.
Pakhomova, L., B., Zhadanovskii, A., Chernyshov, A., Iumasheva, and E., Pankova. 2019. “Effectiveness of Reconstruction with Additional Floors for Buildings of Different Construction Periods. Paper presented at the, E3S Web of Conferences110:01084. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/201911001084.
Roisin, J. P., 2024. “Belgium’s Urgent Need for 225,000 New Homes by 2030.” Accessed April31, 2025. https://immovlan.be/en/article/60540/belgium-housing-shortage-2030.
Sanei, M., 2022. “The Comparative Analysis of the Scoring System Used in BREEAM International New Construction 2016 and the Recent Trends in Housing Sustainability-Related Literature.” Prostor30 (1): 106–125. https://doi.org/10.31522/p.30.1(63).10.
Sanei, M., M., Khodadad, and F., Calonge Reillo. 2022. “Analyzing LEED Scoring System Based on the Priorities in Urban Housing Sustainability Literature.” Urbanism. Architecture, Constructions13 (2): 151–164.
Sanei, M., M., Khodadad, and F., Calonge Reillo. 2023. “Identifying the Most Significant Factors Affecting Urban Housing Sustainability and Their Scales/Sectors of Influence: A Systematic Review of the Recent Literature.” In Advances in Environmental Sustainability. ICOAER 2022, edited by J. T., Anderson, 89–105. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26365-1_8.
Sanei, M., M., Khodadad, H. E., Ilgın, S., Attia, A., Rizzo, and K., Lau. 2025. “Vertical Extension of Buildings: A Systematic Literature Review.” Architectural Science Review: 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2025.2523261.
Schreier, M., 2014. “Qualitative Content Analysis.” In The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Data Analysis, edited by U., Flick, 170–183. London: Sage Publications.
Schuetze, T., F. M., Amoruso, and M., Sonn. 2020. “Sustainable Renovation Versus Redevelopment of Aged Buildings, a Comparative Analysis of the Legislative Framework in South Korea. Paper presented at the, IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science588 (2): 022066. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/588/2/022066.
Semprini, G., A., Ferrante, E., Cattani, and A., Fotopolulou. 2017. “New Strategies Towards Nearly Zero Energy in Existing Buildings: The ABRACADABRA Project.” Paper presented at the140:151–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.11.131.
Seo, S.-., B., Lee, and J., Won. 2020. “Comparative Analysis of Economic Impacts of Sustainable Vertical Extension Methods for Existing Underground Spaces.” Sustainability (Switzerland)12 (3): 975. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030975.
Soikkeli, A., 2016. “Additional Floors in Old Apartment Blocks.” Energy Procedia96:815–823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2016.09.143.
Spirkova, D., K., Teplicka, S., Hurna, and R., Janiss. 2021. “Evaluation of Energy Savings and Economic Benefits of Soltag Rooftop Extensions Under the Conditions of a Model Area in the Slovak Republic.” Sustainability (Switzerland)13 (2): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020451.
Sundling, R., 2019. “A Development Process for Extending Buildings Vertically–Based on a Case Study of Four Extended Buildings.” Construction Innovation19 (3): 367–385. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-05-2018-0040.
Sundling, R., Å., Blomsterberg, and A., Landin. 2019. “Enabling Energy-Efficient Renovation: The Case of Vertical Extension to Buildings.” Construction Innovation19 (1): 2–14. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-04-2018-0034.
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 2015. “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” Accessed May5, 2025. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda.
Vuckovic, M., W., Loibl, T., Tötzer, and R., Stollnberger. 2019. “Potential of Urban Densification to Mitigate the Effects of Heat Island in Vienna, Austria.” Environments - MDPI6 (7): 82. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments6070082.
Vuckovic, M., A., Mahdavi, C., Tauber, K., Kiesel, S., Glawischnig, A., Heiderer, I., Pirstinger, M., Majcen, and M., Raudaschl. 2017. “Generation and Evaluation of Alternative Urban Densification Scenarios.” Building Simulation Conference Proceedings4:2087–2092. https://doi.org/10.26868/25222708.2017.018.
Wijnants, L., K., Allacker, and F., De Troyer. 2016. “Environmental and Financial Life Cycle Assessment of ‘Open-Renovation-Systems’: Methodology and Case Study.” Energy Procedia96:529–539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2016.09.095.
Woods, M., T., Paulus, D. P., Atkins, and R., Macklin. 2016. “Advancing Qualitative Research Using Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS)? Reviewing Potential Versus Practice in Published Studies Using ATLAS.ti and NVivo, 1994–2013.” Social Science Computer Review34 (5): 597–617. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439315596311.
